Her heart was still hammering; she needed space to simmer down. Deciding not to face any more teasing from Cassie, Adira made her way back home to the camper van, sending Cassie a quick text so the woman wouldn’t worry at her sudden disappearance.
Jasper, now fully dressed, made his way back downstairs. Cassie was talking to the receptionist before turning to face him.
‘How did it go?’ she asked with a grin.
‘Fantastic. I’d highly recommend it,’ he replied. Then, looking around, enquired, ‘Where is Adira?’
‘Is she not upstairs? I haven’t seen her come down.’
‘No sign of her upstairs.’ Hell, she didn’t regret kissing him, did she?
Cassie was looking pensively at him.
‘I need to pay,’ he said, suddenly feeling scrutinised.
‘You can pay here, no problem,’ she replied, still looking thoughtfully at him.
Chapter 19
Zara leafed through the mail on her desk. To her disappointment, none of it was particularly pressing. An urgent query from a letter or email would have provided the ideal excuse to ring Jasper, but instead, all was quiet. He’d made sure he was fully up to date before leaving the office. Typical.
With a sigh, she opened the last envelope. It was the routine yearly service for Jasper’s company car, but Zara spotted an opportunity. She quickly glanced at the office clock and calculated the time in England – approximately one p.m. Picking up the phone, she dialled the number he had previously contacted her on. It was answered immediately.
‘Hello, Zara. Is everything OK?’
‘Hello, Jasper. Just a quick call. Your car’s due its service.’
‘Right. I’ll need you to take it in for me,’ replied Jasper.
‘No problem. Where are the keys?’
‘There’s a spare set in the top drawer of my desk.’
‘Leave it with me,’ Zara answered, more than happy to assist.
‘Right, thanks. Anything else?’
Zara paused, desperately trying to think of something else to keep him on the line but unable to come up with anything. ‘No, nothing else.’
‘Bye.’ Down went the phone. Conversation over, apparently.
Zara made her way to Jasper’s desk and opened the draw to find a set of keys.
Hmm, this was interesting, there wasn’t just the car key on the ring, but a door key and fob too. Was this for his apartment? Most probably. Well, there was only one way to find out. She smiled smugly.
The fact that what she was about to do was actually a criminal offence didn’t deter Zara in the slightest. She was on a mission and felt compelled to go ahead with entering Jasper’s apartment. The frightening thing was, in Zara’s mind, she had arightto step inside Jasper’s home. She wanted to have a good look round, check out the decor, his possessions, his taste; to see how he lived, where he ate, where he slept, so that, when they were together at last, she would know how to please him. So, it was in his interest really.
Driving through DAMAC Hills, she admired Jasper’s neighbourhood. Very tasteful, she thought, taking in the collection of luxurious villas and apartments in the prestigious development. It was surrounded by the lush fairways of an international golf club. She deliberately chose to drive Jasper’s car, knowing that the secure car park for residents would automatically record his number plate and allow entry.
With ease, she drove through the underground entrance belonging to the apartment block and parked his car. Then she entered the lift, which took her up to the main lobby. There was a large reception desk, where a twenty-four-hour concierge service operated. Zara quickly put on her sunglasses, not wanting to be spotted as a non-resident. She walked with confident strides, shoulders back, head held high, and made for the stairs. Nobody would have suspected she was an intruder.
Jasper’s keyring had the number2-18engraved on it.She assumed the 2 meant second floor, so she wouldn’t have far to climb. Usually the stairs were only used by the staff, so she shouldn’t be seen by anyone else.
Slightly out of breath, Zara soon reached the second floor. Tapping the fob from the borrowed key ring against the door’s access pad, she held her breath. With a beep, the light flashed green and she heard the quiet clunk of the door unlocking, giving her access to the second floor.
Nearly giddy with relief and excitement, she walked down the plush-carpeted corridor, her eyes quickly scanning each door until she found number 18. With cool, steady hands, she took the small, silver key and slotted it into the door latch. It fitted perfectly. Zara smoothly twisted it to unlock the door and her heart gave a leap of joy. A sigh of satisfaction escaped her.
Stepping inside, she instantly caught the minimalist, masculine feel. The apartment was spacious and open plan, filled with black sofas, a large TV screen and a long, glass coffee table. Dotted about were framed photographs, mainly of Jasper and another elderly couple she assumed were his parents, and another of some other old man. Good, no women. The marble tiled floor led to a balcony overlooking the beach. Zara moved towards it and pictured herself and Jasper sat together, hand in hand, taking in the beautiful view. Yes, she could happily live here.
